Factoring Imaginary Numbers in a 2x1 Matrix: Solving the Physics Problem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving the factoring of a 2x1 matrix containing imaginary numbers. Participants are exploring the conditions under which the matrix can be simplified to contain only 0's, 1's, or imaginary units.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are considering whether subtracting the rows could lead to a solution. There is also questioning of the assumption that the matrix can be simplified to only contain specific values, with one participant suggesting that this might indicate a spurious solution.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants raising questions about the validity of the assumptions made regarding the matrix's form. Some guidance is being offered, but there is no explicit consensus on the approach to take.

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with the requirement that the matrix's contents must be limited to certain values, which raises questions about the nature of the problem being solved and the potential for misinterpretation of the solution's validity.

NutriGrainKiller
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This is a physics problem but I am having trouble factoring this matrix. Basically, there shouldn't be anything left inside the matrix except 0's, 1's, or i's (any of which can be negative). This seems like such an easy problem but I cannot find something that works.

Any ideas?

[tex] <br /> \frac {1} {2\sqrt{2}}<br /> <br /> \left(\begin{array}{cc}1+\sqrt{3}\\1-\sqrt{3}\end{array}\right)<br /> [/tex]

in case anyone finds this confusing this is a 2 row 1 column matrix.
 
Last edited:
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bumping because i just now got the latex to display properly
 
couldnt you simply subract the rows from each other??
 
Basically, there shouldn't be anything left inside the matrix except 0's, 1's, or i's (any of which can be negative).
Why do you think it can be put into that form?
 
stunner5000pt said:
couldnt you simply subract the rows from each other??

No I don't think so

Hurkyl said:
Why do you think it can be put into that form?

because the inside can only result in one of several cases, all of which contain only 0's, 1's, or imaginary numbers. anything else wouldn't make sense
 
because the inside can only result in one of several cases, all of which contain only 0's, 1's, or imaginary numbers. anything else wouldn't make sense
Then maybe this is a spurious solution. What were you actually solving?
 
Last edited:

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